Have you ever had an argument with someone when you knew you were right? So frustrating! The other person just can’t see they’re wrong, it goes on and on! Hate that.

In Matthew 17, just after Jesus heals the boy with epilepsy. Remember the disciples couldn’t, so they asked Jesus about it, and he told them, “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matt 17:21 AMP)

Can’t bash the disciples for being unable then, they were with Jesus and weren’t fasting, or really praying. The whole, new wine into old wine skins thing.

(I believe as disciples of Jesus. We also experience these seasons while following Him.) Another time.

In the TV series, “Grey’s Anatomy”, the main character Meredith Grey becomes best friends with Cristina Yang. It’s a unique friendship. Meredith is a woman trying to find her place in the world, while dealing with her childhood. On the other hand, Cristina is intense, career driven and determined to become the best cardiothoracic surgeon in the world.

Despite their differing personalities and goals, they develop a very close relationship. They define their relationship with the simple phrase, “you’re my person”.

These two challenge each other; always hold the other accountable for their actions and for reaching their full potential. They help each other through the tough times, become strong when the other is weak and encourage each other to keep going when the going gets tough.

How many times on a Sunday morning has, our pastor stepped up to the pulpit and said, “I had planned on preaching something else, but I feel a change in direction?”

Then our pastor begins preaching, not to the visitor on the back row who has never heard the new birth plan of salvation before, but to us, the saints who have been members of the congregation for years.

Isn’t it powerful to know that our pastors are attentive to the will of God?

“What an awesome service, Pastor preached on the rebellion of Korah and just preached the house down!”

“Wow! Pastor changed his message and just tore up the story of Ai and Achen!”

In 1 Kings 3:6-15 you find out where he received all of his gifting. Every leader should pay this passage heed. God asks Solomon what he wants, and Solomon asks for an understanding mind and hearing heart so he can discern between good and evil.

It’s not a guarantee that God will want you out of every circumstance: even if that’s the case – praise helps.

Joseph’s own ill intentioned brothers threw him into a dry pit (Genesis 37:24-26). At first glance, it’s obvious they wanted to kill him. He’d been stripped of his expensive coat, and now it was just a matter of how their act of murder would be carried out.

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Legend has it Ketchikan was established when Tlingit’s (Native Alaskan tribe, of which I am ¼ and … do not get me started) were travelling by. It started raining, so the Chief told his tribe they would stop there (Ketchikan) until it stopped raining. Ha-ha … it never did … get it?

We grew up in the rain. Hunted, fished, played baseball and football in it. Played in it, went to school … you get the idea.

Kahina

With my son Jackson Gregory soon to arrive via UPS or however he’s getting here. I have been thinking about all the traditions Megan and I will continue and start with him.

Traditions are great; they help kids define who they are and what their family believes. It’s important for children to join in with their parents carrying on whatever traditions they have, or are starting. It’s all about getting a sense of family and belonging.

Traditions.

About this time every year, my little brother, Geoff, starts sending little reminder texts of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and the tradition we established years ago. Every thanksgiving, the Glover boys whether together or apart, watch the movie “Hoosiers”. Why? It’s our tradition.

While I was in Ft. Sam, TX, I had a sergeant who often finished disciplinary instruction to his soldiers by saying, “Good talk”.

I remember one time in particular, we were out “in the field”. I happened to be monitoring radio communications (coms) in the operations tent. One of his high maintenance soldiers came in to speak with him and before she could say anything, Sgt. C said, “Smith don’t start, turn around and leave.” Then he looked at me and said, “Good talk.”

Good talk.

Thinking back on my life, I’ve had many conversations, but not too many, “Good talks.”